Williamstown
Artist
Gerrard Lants
Date1985 -1999
Object number00046608
NamePainting
Mediumoil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 1335 x 1033 x 80 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Australian National Line
DescriptionAn oil painting by Gerrard Lants titled 'Williamstown' depicting ships at dock at Williamstown, Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne.HistoryWilliamstown, named after King William IV in 1837, was the site of one of the first settlements in the Melbourne area and has been a working port since the 1830s. It was the site of the first naval force ever raised by an Australian colony, and during both world wars, numerous ships were built, repaired and fitted out.
This painting is part of a collection of material donated by Australian National Line to the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1998, shortly before the company changed its name to the Australian River Company and sold off its Liner Division.SignificanceWilliamstown served as Melbourne's first anchorage and as the centre for port facilities to the Port Phillip district until the late 19th century.
1861-1871
